Articles of impeachment launched towards US Def. Secretary Pete Hegseth as criticism over Iran conflict mounts

News

By Linda Ikeji
10 November 2026, 9:52 am

Articles of impeachment have been formally reintroduced within the House towards Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as mounting Republican backlash over the expensive and unpopular conflict with Iran intensifies within the wake of the GOP’s midterm election losses.

Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced ahead the decision on Monday as Congress reconvened in Washington, D.C., for a lame-duck session. Massie alleged that the Pentagon chief dedicated “high crimes and misdemeanors” and abused his authority by violating the War Powers Resolution, executing army operations with out congressional authorization, and ordering illegal army actions throughout a number of nations.

“Despite the absence of a declaration of war, specific statutory authorization, or a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States, Secretary Hegseth knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders to initiate war against a foreign nation,” Massie acknowledged on the House ground.

Massie argued that Hegseth stays a risk to the Constitution and the rule of regulation, making impeachment, elimination from workplace, and disqualification from future federal service obligatory.

The legislative transfer comes amid extreme political fallout from the continued army engagement with Iran, which commenced in February underneath a joint U.S. and Israel operation and has pushed up world oil costs. The battle has been closely blamed by varied get together figures and partially by President Trump himself for the historic legislative rout that value Republicans management of Congress in final week’s midterms.

While Massie beforehand launched related articles of impeachment in September, which had been delayed when House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled the ultimate scheduled voting day forward of the recess, the Kentucky lawmaker expressed confidence that sufficient Republican defectors will cross get together traces to safe a easy majority within the House.

President Trump has maintained public help for his protection secretary, dismissing Massie’s push whereas chatting with reporters.

“Yeah, I’ll stand by him,” Trump advised CNN, including that he believes Massie “has a lot of hatred in his heart.”

When requested beforehand about Hegseth’s efficiency, Trump defended him as doing a “very good job,” although reviews point out the administration has confronted inside friction concerning technique.

While Vice President JD Vance and particular envoy Steve Witkoff have actively pushed for diplomatic channels to conclude the battle, Hegseth and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, have reportedly advocated for a return to main fight operations throughout latest Pentagon briefings.

Other high-ranking Republicans have joined the refrain of criticism. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) not too long ago known as on the president to dismiss Hegseth, stating that the protection chief faces a political “reckoning” over his administration of the army. Similarly, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) voiced widespread get together concern concerning the shortage of a transparent long-term technique in Iran.

With Democrats set to imagine management of each chambers of Congress subsequent yr, Hegseth’s dealing with of the Pentagon is anticipated to face aggressive legislative oversight, hearings, and formal investigations.